Writing the personal essay—the informal or familiar or genuine essay—is a wonderful means of exploring what really matters to you. In this class, you'll write about events in your life that have moved you and mull over those questions about the human experience that most compel your interest. You'll strive for conversational frankness and cultivate a high tolerance for uncertainty—writing not so much to prove ideas as to weigh their merits. In the process, you'll deepen your own and your readers' understanding of your life story.

Charles Green, senior lecturer in English, fiction writer, essayist, and seasoned teacher, will lead us as we analyze the work of published essayists and create, read, and discuss our own.

This program is part of Cornell’s Adult University (CAU), which offers education vacations designed and led by Cornell faculty. Programs include off-campus travel adventures and weeklong on-campus summer courses open to all, including Cornell alumni, families, and friends.

For more information and to register, visit cau.cornell.edu, e-mail cauinfo@cornell.edu, or call 607.255.6260.